Military

Commander in Chief of Russian Navy Visits Bataan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070828-24
Release Date: 8/28/2007 4:36:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joanne De Vera, USS Bataan Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Commander in Chief, Russian Federation Navy paid a visit to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) for a tour and lunch Aug. 22, while the ship was pierside at Naval Station Norfolk.

Fleet Admiral Vladamir Vasilyevich Masorin’s visit to Bataan was just one stop on his tour of various naval bases along the East Coast.

Vice Adm. Evan M. Chanik, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan’s commanding officer, hosted Masorin and his staff to show Bataan’s capabilities.

The tour took Russia’s top naval officer through different areas of the ship and included the ship’s well deck, upper vehicle stowage, hangar bay and bridge.

“[Adm. Masorin] asked a lot of questions and was very impressed with the ship’s capabilities and versatility,” said Snyder, who explained the different areas of the ship with the help of an interpreter. “It’s always a challenge to communicate with an interpreter, but despite the language barrier, we enjoyed our conversations and it was a pleasant visit.”

In Bataan’s hangar bay, Repair Division personnel set up a damage control (DC) display, showcasing various DC equipment and protective gear.

“On any ship, no matter where it’s from, Sailors are the first line of defense against any casualty,” said Chief Hull Technician (SW/AW) Neil Pierce, who presented the DC display. “He commented on our gear, saying that it was the same as what they use aboard Russian Navy ships with minor differences. We’re similar navies, separated by a body of water.”

In addition to the operational areas of the ship, Masorin also wanted to see the areas of the ship that directly make an impact on the crew’s morale. The tour took him and his staff to a berthing compartment, the ship’s store and the gym.

“He was very interested in the day-to-day life and working environment of our Sailors,” said Snyder. “The quality of life for his Sailors is an important issue for him.”

Masorin and his guests were treated to lunch aboard Bataan after the tour, and gifts were presented to both Chanik and Snyder to thank them for the visit.

“Regardless of what country we represent, we’re all Sailors,” said Snyder. “The concerns we have at sea are the same, and we can learn a lot from each other.”